Red Rock Escape: Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, Colorado

The Spot. Designed to showcase the rugged and stunning Unaweep Canyon landscape, this extraordinary resort basks in breathtaking vistas both inside and out. Guests find a culturally distinct escape in the heart of the American West, with 72 guest rooms including suites and private casitas. Here, adobe-style architecture and green initia­tives live in perfect harmony with their natural surroundings.

Reflecting the region’s rich history, interiors feature Southwest-inspired textiles and large windows to frame the surrounding splendor. From well-appointed rooms with wel­coming living areas and open-air hot tubs overlooking red rock country, to luxurious private abodes that offer two fireplaces, open-beam ceilings, outdoor showers, and stargazing decks, the accommodations are as comfortable as they are unique.

The Adventure. What makes Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa consistently sought-after by discerning travelers is not only the location or luxurious accommodations, but also a rare commitment to the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests can take in the spectacular canyon scenery from new heights with a Gateway Can­yons Air Tour in a state-of-the-art helicopter. Or they can traverse the heart of the terrain with one of the Driven Experiences that deliver both scenery and extreme exhilaration.

More traditional backcountry adventures let guests explore the base of the Uncompahgre Plateau on horseback – or cast their fly-fishing line at Don’s Lake in the LaSalle Mountains, where the rainbow trout are abundant. Taking full advantage of its unmatched natural playground, Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa offers something for every adventure-seeker.

The Escape. After a day on horseback or a ramble on foot through the canyons, there’s no better time to indulge in a relaxing spa treatment or mouthwatering meal. From the Gateway Canyons Signature facial to the Ancient River Stone Massage, the wellness-focused spa treatments are bound to leave guests refreshed and ready to jump back in the saddle. For the more meditative traveler, the spa also offers yoga and group fitness classes. At day’s end, guests will be more than ready for a Southwest- inspired handcrafted cocktail or the savory local Colorado cuisine at one of the resort’s four restaurants – Entrada Restaurant, Paradox Grill, Kiva Cafe, or the popular poolside bar, Cantina. No escape is complete without the ultimate downtime to cap off the outdoor escapades.

The Experience. Created by John Hendricks, Founder and Former Chairman of the Discovery Channel and Discovery Communications, the resort is dedicated to cultivating curiosity through inspiring programs and adventures. New to the resort’s staff is The Curator of Curiosity – a knowledgeable expert who provides both groups and individual guests with authentic, hands-on learning expeditions, such as a hike or ATV ride to discover ancient rock petroglyphs or dinosaur footprints and fossils firsthand. These unparal­leled experiences, along with the Gateway Auto Museum and the on-site Adventure Center, are just a few of the ways Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa is a stand­out in the American West.